Campus Newcomer: Kirkwood transfer RHP Ganon Archer
The Iowa Baseball campus newcomer series continues on, but this time we take a look at a transfer that will be joining the Hawkeyes this season. Out of Adel, Iowa, Ganon Archer played his high school baseball at Van Meter High School. He spent his freshman season at Kirkwood CC and now makes the short trip down I-380 to Iowa City for the rest of his college eligibility.
We caught up with the 6-foot-3, 185 pound right-handed pitcher to preview his upcoming season with the Hawkeyes.
Q: When do you move to Iowa City and what is your excitement level like for that move in day?
ARCHER: I’m planning on moving in on the 13th. I was a little hesitant thinking about it as first, but after seeing the apartment and talking with my roommates, I felt much more ready to move in. I’m ready to get over there and experience Iowa City as a student.
Q: What number do you plan on wearing and why?
ARCHER: I don’t have a specific number, but I would like 13 because that’s what I wore throughout high school. I wouldn’t mind 21 either because that’s what I had at Kirkwood.
Q: What have you been doing this summer to prepare for when you join the team?
ARCHER: This summer has been very busy for me. I started a program from Premier Pitching Performance right after my season at Kirkwood ended and I’m still working with them. They created a mobility, throwing, and lifting program that focused on what I need to improve. It’s been Monday-Saturday every week this summer, lifting 3-4 times a week and throwing every day.
Q: What pitches do you have in arsenal? What would you say is your best pitch?
ARCHER: Currently my arsenal consists of a fastball (89-92, T95 last winter), changeup (80-83), slider (78-82), curveball (77-81), recently added a cutter (80-83). I would say my best pitch is my curveball or fastball.
Q: How would you evaluate your season last year at Kirkwood?
ARCHER: Last season was a learning experience for sure. I was the Sunday starter for most of the season, and it definitely took me a while to adjust to the level of hitters in the league. Faced some mental issues early which brought my confidence down a lot. I missed a couple of weeks a little later in the season due to some back issues, but when I returned from that I made a huge jump. I was getting my confidence back and competing at the level I was capable of. Finished out the last few weeks of the season feeling strong and doing my job for the team to give us a chance to win. Overall, I think the first year a Kirkwood was a big step towards the right direction in my ability to pitch.
Q: Looking back at your recruitment out of the transfer portal, what stood out about the Iowa Baseball program that made them an easy choice over other schools?
ARCHER: Growing up in Iowa, I was always a Hawkeye fan, and that was where I wanted to go in high school if I got the opportunity. I also had the dream of playing in the south because I love the warm weather. Visited a school in Texas and I really liked it, but I didn’t know if I could leave my family and friends behind for that long. I also loved the atmosphere of Iowa Baseball as well as the players and coaches. I talked with my parents and coaches a ton which ultimately led to me committing to Iowa.
Q: Were there any other teams that you considered during your recruitment?
ARCHER: After my fall showcases, I got some follows from schools on Twitter, and got calls from Ohio State and Dallas Baptist. I ended up going on a visit to DBU.
Q: What is your relationship like with the coaching staff? Who do you talk with the most?
ARCHER: I would say I have a pretty good relationship with all of the coaches. I met and talked to just about all of them on my visit. I would say Coach Sutherland is who I talk with the most. He talked to me a little in high school, and was the one who was recruiting me. I also hit it off with Coach McGrath on my visit and am very excited to start working with him.
Q: Have you gotten a chance to talk with any of the current players on team? What is your relationship like with them?
ARCHER: I have met most of the guys on the team, but some I have talked with a lot more. I knew Reese Moore because he moved to my high school his senior year and we became good friends. Met his roommate Blake (Guerin), and I got to know him more as well. I met Cade Moss about a year ago and started to get to know him pretty well. A lot of the other guys I don’t know super well, but know about them. I’m definitely excited to meet more of the team soon.
Q: If someone asked you “what do you bring to the Iowa team?” How would you describe your game?
ARCHER: I would describe my game as very passionate competitor. In high school, my teammates felt confident about the game when I was pitching because I would get outs for us. At Kirkwood, when I got more comfortable, I feel like my teammates started to have more trust in me to give us a chance to win. I am confident I will bring my ability to throw strikes and get outs for the team. I want the guys at Iowa to have the same trust in me to give them a chance to win when I am on the mound.
Q: Where does the coaching staff see you fitting in with the team?
ARCHER: On my visit, they told me they would view me as a possible starter if I put in the work and pitch to my ability. It’s honestly hard to say right now because we have lots of great talent coming in from the transfer portal as well as the existing pitchers. I am going to come in and compete at the level I know how to and hopefully earn playing time. I am ready to accept whatever role the coaches give me and dominate that role.
